Tribute & Message From The Family
Raymond G. Kohler, 72, of Manchester, died on May 7, 2020, at Elliot Hospital after a period of declining health.
Born in Manchester on September 10, 1947, he was the son of the late Harold and Alice (Sasseville) Kohler. He was a 1965 graduate of Bishop Bradley High School and earned his BA in business from Nathaniel Hawthorne College.
Ray served in the US Army and was honorably discharged on Sept. 24, 1972, at the rank of Specialist – SP4. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Ray worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 10 years before retiring in 2011. Prior to the post office, he worked for RS Audley for 20 years.
Ray was an avid NE sports fan and was very active in his grandsons' sports. He loved to play golf and spending time traveling with his wife Marie. Ray had a passion for muscle cars and bought his dream car, Dodge Challenger, just a few years back. He always spoke his mind, had a great sense of humor and was a true character. Everyone wanted to hear a "Ray Story". Ray dedicated his life to his family and above all else, will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Family includes his beloved wife of 49 years, Marie A. (Lavoie) Kohler; two daughters, Christine M. Kalantzis and husband Tom of Hooksett, and Karyn L. Beaudette of Manchester; four grandsons, Kyle and Cameron Kalantzis, and Cole and Brady Beaudette; his twin brother, Robert Kohler of Minneola, FL; and his beloved cat Mo. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the front line workers of Elliot Hospital and in the COVID-19 Unit. "These individuals were our angels during this most difficult time".
SERVICES: There are no calling hours or services at this time. A committal service with military honors will take place in NH State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Ray's wish was to celebrate his life and not mourn his loss. Family and friends will gather for this celebration when we can all be together again. "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened". Donations in Ray's memory may be made to: Veteran's Count, Manchester Chapter, c/o Easter Seals NH, 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH 03103 https://vetscount.org/nh/support-us/make-a-donation To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Oh, Marie. My heart is heavy but I feel blessed to have seen you both so frequently. Sending many hugs and much love to you and the family.
Posted by
Stacey Somogyi - Bedford, NH - Friend June 20, 2020
Marie, I am so so sorry to hear about Ray. Sending you much love at this difficult time.
Sheryl Hammond
Posted by
Sheryl Hammond - Bedford, NH - Friend June 15, 2020
George and I were so privileged to meet you and Marie on that wonderful Italy trip many years ago. I knew we would get a long famously because of the Red Sox connection for you and George, and for me, it was "the lists" that Marie and I had in common! You had a smile a mile long and a laugh that was equally delightful. I so saddened of your passing on May 7. And even more saddening, I lost my own husband, George on May 17. So now the two of you have a grand old time, as Marie, said having a beer together. I am so glad we got to see you a few years back for a Red Sox game and dinner. Say hello to my George for me and you take care of each other, ok?
Posted by
Linda Durr - San Diego, CA - Friend May 17, 2020
Very sad to hear of your loss. I remember meeting Ray and seeing him a few times when Art and Bobby would get together for hockey and baseball games. He always seemed to make everyone around feel comfortable. I hope you will cherish all the great memories.
Posted by
Ed Lizotte - Venice Fl., FL May 16, 2020
Marie,
So sorry to learn of Ray's passing. My prayers for you and you family. I loved the Ray stories and working with you at L.M. Thinking of you. Francoise Riel
Posted by
Frances Riel - Manchester, NH - Coworker May 15, 2020
Marie,
I was stunned to hear of the loss of your husband and pal, Ray. My heart and prayers go out to you, this is so sad. If you want to go for a walk, I will be happy to do that with you. Your friend,
Posted by
Nancy Philbrick - Hooksett, NH - Friend May 14, 2020
I was devastated to see Rays picture in the newspaper. He had the greatest smile and an immense laugh that was sincere and engaging. Ray stories were legendary and gave sIdesplitting laughter to all who heard them.He was a gift to all who knew him. My sincerest condolences to Marie,Christine and Karyn and family.
I
Posted by
Ken and Margo Cox - Manchester, NH - Friend May 13, 2020
We are so very sorry to hear the news of Ray's passing. He will be missed, he left behind an incredible family. Big prayers of comfort for you all
Posted by
Kathy Berger - Candia, NH - Friend May 13, 2020
Marie and family. We were very saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. Although we didn't really know Ray, it sounds like he was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to be a part of his life.So many years, so many memories the two of you shared.
Sending you our deepest condolences and keeping you in our prayers.
Don & Claudette (Bouchard) Martel
Posted by
Claudette Martel - Manchester, NH - Friend May 12, 2020
Marie, Christine and Karyn, Richard and I are terribly saddened by your loss of this good man. The closeness and sense of enjoyment and love of your life and family have been inspiring to many people. May the great memories and beautiful family you created together bring you peace in the days ahead.
Posted by
Richard and Sally Phelan - Hooksett, NH - Friend May 10, 2020
I'm very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you Marie and your family. I'll miss going to breakfast with him and especially being his friend and golf buddy.
Posted by
Joseph Tardiff - Manchester, NH - Friend May 09, 2020
Marie, Christine and Karyn and families, I am so sorry for your pain. Memories are hard to think of as happy at this time, but as time goes on you will find joy in them again. I am Rob's sister-in-law, Sandi's sister. May Ray RIP and may you find peace. Donna Marrinan
Posted by
Donna Marrinan - Wayne, NJ - Family May 09, 2020
My deepest condolences to all of you during this very difficult time. He will truly be missed. I will remember him with a laugh and smile on my face because that is what he always made us do. I am very lucky to say that I knew such an incredible man!
Posted by
Kara Lemay - Candia, NH - Friend May 09, 2020
Marie, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
- Fran Acevedo, New York City, May 8, 2020
Posted by
Frances Acevedo - Forest Hills, NY - Family Friend May 08, 2020
Marie, Christine and Karyn and all the boys, our sympathy for your loss. Ray was a wonderful guy that will be missed by many. God got a good one. Love Madeleine and Al and Pauline and family.
Posted by
Madeleine Turner - Manchester, NH - Family Friend May 08, 2020
Marie, Christine, Karyn and family. So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I will always remember dancing with him at those Liberty functions and how sweet he and your Mom were together. I am thinking of you all and sending you my love, thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Virginia Antonellis - Salem, NH - Friend May 08, 2020
My love and prayers are with all of you. It was so great working with Christine and hearing the Ray stories .
My most favorite was Ray mowing his lawn in his whitey tighties!!!!!!!!!. I am sure he is enjoying his cigar in Heavens smoking room.
Posted by
Rosie Dennerly - concord, NH - Friend May 08, 2020
I'm so very sorry Christine and family. Sending healing prayers to you all.
Posted by
Teresa Durand - Manchester, NH - Coworker May 07, 2020
My sympathies to Rays wife and family,I worked with Ray..
Posted by
Brian Houghton - Manchester, NH May 07, 2020
Ray was a legend. Famous or not one was fortunate to know him and his great character. Shared lots of his humor with all of us that will bring smiles and laughs for a lifetime. He touched a lot of lives and will never be forgotten. Ray was proud of his family, great husband, father, grandfather and brother. May we all celebrate Ray's life as he would want us to do.. Live, love and laugh often. Rest peacefully Razor Ray.
Posted by
Sue and Dave - Hooksett, NH - Family Friend May 07, 2020
One of the most kindest people I've ever known. He will truly be missed by all of his neighbors. God Bless
Posted by
Judy Gagne - NH, NH - Neighbor May 07, 2020
Ray was such a great person! I loved his smile and his laugh! My love and prayers go to you Marie, Christine and Karen and your families especially at this time of loss. There are no adequate words to express one's sympathy. But I do understand what it feels like to lose someone dear.
Love you,
Doris
Posted by
Doris Veilleux - Naperville, IL - Family May 07, 2020
Marie, Christine, Karyn and Ray's entire family and friends, Norm and I are so very sorry for your loss. Losing such an amazing man is hitting many people very hard, leaving many shattered hearts. I am a true believer that the Good Lord watched him suffer for too long and HE let him rest. He is now at peace in the arms of Angels and will now watch over all of you...your own Guardian Angel in HEAVEN. Ray may not be here on this earth any longer however the 'RAY STORIES' will live on Forever. A good man is in Heaven now, no longer suffering. May the many memories Ray left help you through these days ahead. Sending Love, prayers and Healing light my friends.
With our deepest condolences,
Norm and Camille Bowlin
Posted by
Camille Bowlin - Cape Coral, FL - Family Friend May 07, 2020
Ray has been my best friend starting at high school, we I worked together, and did sports ( golf, basketball, racket ball, and hockey) He will be missed dearly. We have many wonderful times as friends and family.
Posted by
Dick Cote - Hooksett, NH - Friend May 07, 2020
